147. Hon ALISON XAMON to the Minister for Disability Services:
I refer to the $20.3 million funding to support service providers in their transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, and to the fact that Western Australia will not fully transition to the NDIS until 2023.
(1) Will the minister commit to continuing transition funding into —
(a) 2020–21;
(b) 2021–22; and
(c) 2022–23?
(2) If yes to (1), how much funding does the minister anticipate will be provided?
(3) If no to (1), why not?
Hon STEPHEN DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1)–(3) The McGowan government is committed to the successful rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in Western Australia and, by extension, the development of a sustainable, contemporary and vibrant disability services sector. Since the rollout of the NDIS began in April 2018, over 25 000 Western Australians have connected to the NDIS and developed an approved NDIS plan. Of these, 7 600 people have developed a plan for the first time. In 2018–19, the state government was cognisant of the changes facing the disability sector, and responded by providing $20.3 million in targeted funding over the next two years. Significant consultation occurred with the sector to identify potential pressure points. As such, funding was channelled directly to where it was most needed.
As the honourable member will be aware, the state budget for 2020–21 will be handed down in May. As such, it would not be appropriate for me to pre-empt the budget process.